Immunosuppressive Therapy Following Renal Transplant

Immunosuppressive therapy, typically including steroids and immunosuppressants, is integral in graft survival following a kidney transplant but can carry significant nutrition implications for the patient. The most considerable implications include weight gain, new-onset diabetes after transplant, development of cardiovascular impacts, and osteoporosis; severity may be related to the dose and the duration of therapy. Following a transplant, individualized medical nutrition therapy should be used to monitor for adequate oral intake, appropriate weight status, and avoidance of food-medication interactions. This case report depicts the registered dietitian's involvement critical in managing patients posttransplant on immunosuppressive medications.